After making my own granola, and realizing how simple it is, I will never go back to store bought. This granola has only one sweetener in it, which is pure maple syrup, and that alone makes it so much healthier than anything store bought. Store bought granolas are often full of added sugar. This is very healthy, full of fiber from the oats and protein from the nuts, and with a touch of cinnamon, it hits the mark for a great breakfast or snack.
TIPS: This can be eaten alone, or topped with milk like you would eat cereal. It also works well served with yogurt, and if you want to be fancy for guests, you can make it into a layered breakfast yogurt parfait. Every oven is different so watch it and remove from oven when edges are starting to brown. Let it completely cool before storing so it maintains its crispness.
Homemade Granola
Ingredients
- 3 C old fashioned oatmeal (or quick oats)
- 1/2 C raw unsalted walnuts
- 1/2 C raw unsalted almonds
- 1/2 C raw unsalted pecans
- 1/2 C pure 100% maple syrup (light or dark)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (scant 1/2 tsp)
- 1/2 C dried raisins or cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a food processor, chop the walnuts, pecans and almonds until small pebble sized. Alternatively place them in a freezer bag and bang with a rolling pin or heavy flat bottommed pan until chopped up to small pebble size. (Do not completely crush).
- In medium size bowl, using a spatula, gently mix together the nuts, oats, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt until all dry ingredients are coated with the maple syrup. Spread in an even layer on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes, stirring twice throughout cooking time, until mixture starts to turn golden brown.
- Cool on baking sheet. Stir in dried raisins or cranberries if adding. Store in a container with a tightly covered lid for up to 2 weeks.
- Enjoy!